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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Ursula attempt to sell with her girls?

2. Who borrows a fortune from Aureliano Segundo to build a water trade route through the town?

3. Who does Pietro proclaim his love for?

4. What did Melqunades seemingly die of?

5. What is painted on the chest of Colonel Aureliano Buendia?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe what is going to happen to Colonel Buendia in the not too distant past.

2. Arcadio becomes enthralled with Pilar, but since they are related, when they are supposed to meet, Pilar sends someone else in her place - who?

3. How many children does Santa Sofia de la Piedad have? And what are their names?

4. How does Amaranta raise her son Aureliano Jose, and why is this inappropriate?

5. Why won't Ursula have sex with Jose?

6. What happens to Pietro when Amaranta finally rejects his long proposal and courtship?

7. What does Colonel Aureliano Buendia do with his newfound solitude?

8. What makes Jose Arcadio Buendia and Ursula outcasts in their society?

9. What is Colonel Aureliano Buendia's final request when he is caught and court martialed?

10. Describe Jose Arcadio Segundo.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Some readers find it confusing that this novel isn't told in chronological order. But could the story work any other way? Why does the refusal to stick to a straight timeline help the story be more accessible and more entertaining for the reader? Or would a chronological timeline be a stronger choice?

Essay Topic 2

Why is the parchment so important for the characters in the book? What makes this parchment something important to the family? What happens when the parchment is finally deciphered? Who is the one who deciphers it? Why is it so important that this character be the one who deciphers the parchment?

Essay Topic 3

The weather is another strong theme in this book, often changing along with the events in the story. Give specific examples of different weather patterns in this book as well as related examples of how the story is mirroring the weather, and vice versa.

(see the answer keys)

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